Bridgeport Elementary School’s preschool program has gained another Step Up To Quality Five-Star Award as officials continue to provide its youngest students with the best start in education.
The State of Ohio awarded the program for meeting the quality standards established by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education. Step Up To Quality is a five-star tiered quality rating and improvement system created to recognize and promote early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the health and safety licensing requirements.
Brooke Syrylo, teacher and preschool director, received the distinction in December and said was a very involved process. “A representative does a thorough review every three years, but this time we submitted paperwork of activities. Every year we have one to submit about the things we do to fulfill requirements,” she said. “We have maintained a five-star rating since we started.”
A total of 61 students participate in the preschool program, which offers half-day classes for three- and four-year olds with two sessions each in the morning and afternoon. Syrylo said the curriculum must align with state standards and officials have to show various criteria, such as how they individualize the curriculum to meet a child’s needs; assess students and themselves; complete ongoing professional development; involve parents in class activities; involve the community; and transition students into kindergarten. On-site reviews are conducted every three years, at which time a Step Up To Quality representative evaluates the students, teachers, policies, procedures and lesson plans. Syrylo noted that the school also works to involve parents in the classroom and counts the Bridgeport Library and The Ohio State University Extension’s SNAP nutritional program among its community partners.
“The review is a lot of work and it’s a high standard of teaching children,” she added, saying she was excited to see the program continue its momentum.
Bridgeport Elementary Principal Kamaron Sabinski was equally enthused and praised the staff for their dedication to preparing the littlest pupils. “I am honored to be part of their team,” Sabinski said. “The environment is so inviting and extremely positive, and if you are inviting and positive you are going to be successful.”
Preschool registration for the 2020-21 school year will be held March 5 from noon to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. For more information, contact Syrylo at (740) 635-2573, Ext. 1800.